Expanded panel · non-DOT · Kansas City
9 Panel Drug Testing Kansas City
An expanded drug screening panel that adds benzodiazepines, barbiturates and methadone to the standard 5-panel base, giving employers, healthcare organizations and courts broader prescription drug and sedative coverage in a single urine test.
- 5-panel base
- + Benzodiazepines
- + Barbiturates
- + Methadone
Quick facts
- 9 substance categories screened in one urine test
- Adds barbiturates, benzodiazepines and methadone to the 5-panel base
- Certified chain-of-custody collection
- MRO review on all non-negative results
- Results within 1 minute up to 5 days
- Cost: $60–$99 based on services needed
About this test
What is a 9 panel drug test?
The right step up from the standard five when benzodiazepine, barbiturate or methadone detection is specifically needed.
The 9 panel covers all five standard substances: THC, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines and PCP, then adds a dedicated methamphetamine screen plus barbiturates, benzodiazepines and methadone. That matters because benzodiazepines and barbiturates are widely prescribed sedatives that can cause serious workplace impairment but are entirely invisible to a standard 5-panel screen.
Every collection follows certified chain-of-custody procedures, and all confirmed non-negative results are reviewed by a Medical Review Officer before being reported.
Benzodiazepines, barbiturates and methadone are all commonly prescribed medications. A non-negative result does not automatically mean a violation. The MRO will contact you before a final result is issued to verify any legitimate medical explanation, including valid prescriptions. Always disclose all current prescription medications at intake.
What to bring
- Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID
- Employer test order or authorization if provided
- Employer name and contact for result delivery
- List of current prescription medications, especially sedatives and opioid treatment drugs
What you receive
- Certified urine specimen collection with chain-of-custody documentation
- Lab analysis by a certified testing laboratory
- MRO review of all non-negative results
- Results delivered to your employer or the requesting authority as appropriate
What gets screened
Complete 9 panel breakdown, with detection windows
Panels 1–5 are the standard base. Panels 6–9 are the expanded additions that make this test broader than the standard 5-panel screen.
| Substance | What it covers | Detection window |
|---|---|---|
| Marijuana (THC) | Psychoactive compound in cannabis. THC metabolites are stored in fat cells, the longest detection window of any panel substance. | 1–30 days (up to 90 for heavy use) |
| Cocaine | A powerful stimulant, detected via its primary metabolite benzoylecgonine. | 2–4 days |
| Opiates | Codeine, morphine and the heroin metabolite 6-AM. Covers traditional opiates, separate from synthetic opioids. | 1–3 days |
| Amphetamines | Amphetamine and related stimulants, which can cause agitation, paranoia and dangerous impairment. | 1–3 days |
| Phencyclidine (PCP) | Causes severe hallucinations and dissociation. One of the most dangerous substances for workplace impairment. | 7–14 days |
| Methamphetamines (expanded) | A dedicated confirmatory screen for methamphetamine specifically, catching it with greater specificity than a general amphetamine screen. | 1–4 days |
| Barbiturates (expanded) | Central nervous system depressants including phenobarbital, secobarbital, butalbital and amobarbital. Common in older sedative and sleep medications. | 2–4 days (short-acting) to 3–6 weeks (long-acting) |
| Benzodiazepines (expanded) | Prescription sedatives including alprazolam, diazepam, clonazepam and lorazepam. One of the most commonly misused prescription drug classes, widely missed by 5-panel tests. | 3–7 days (short-acting) to 4–6 weeks (long-acting) |
| Methadone (expanded) | A synthetic opioid used in pain management and opioid addiction treatment. Not detected by standard opiate screens, requires a dedicated test. | 3–12 days |
Common use cases
Who uses the 9 panel drug test
Chosen when the standard 5-panel is not comprehensive enough, typically in industries with prescription drug safety concerns, healthcare environments, legal proceedings or stricter employer policies.
Healthcare employers
Hospitals, clinics and healthcare facilities screen employees with the 9 panel to detect benzodiazepine and barbiturate misuse, substances that may be accessible in clinical environments and can seriously impair patient care performance.
Court-ordered & probation testing
Courts, probation officers and diversion programs require the 9 panel when they need to monitor a broader range of substances, particularly prescription drug misuse.
Safety-sensitive roles
Positions where sedative impairment carries a direct safety risk, and where employer policy calls for coverage beyond the standard five substances.
Addiction treatment & monitoring
Substance abuse treatment programs and monitoring authorities use the 9 panel to verify compliance with treatment agreements, including methadone maintenance programs and sobriety monitoring.
Pre-employment, expanded screening
Employers who want broader substance coverage than the standard 5-panel, without moving to a full 10-panel, use the 9 panel as a cost-efficient middle-ground option.
Employer programs
Random pools, post-accident and reasonable suspicion testing for organizations whose written policy specifies the expanded panel.
Panel comparison
5 panel vs 9 panel vs 10 panel, side by side
This comparison shows exactly what each panel adds over the previous one, so you can choose the right coverage level.
| Substance screened | 5 panel | 9 panel | 10 panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marijuana (THC) | Included | Included | Included |
| Cocaine | Included | Included | Included |
| Opiates (codeine, morphine, heroin) | Included | Included | Included |
| Amphetamines | Included | Included | Included |
| Phencyclidine (PCP) | Included | Included | Included |
| Methamphetamines (dedicated screen) | May vary | Included | Included |
| Barbiturates (phenobarbital, secobarbital) | Not included | Included | Included |
| Benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam, clonazepam) | Not included | Included | Included |
| Methadone | Not included | Included | Included |
| Propoxyphene & methaqualone | Not included | Not included | Included |
For most general employers, the 5 panel is sufficient. The 9 panel is the right step up when benzodiazepine, barbiturate or methadone detection is specifically needed, common in healthcare, court-ordered and treatment monitoring situations. The 10 panel adds propoxyphene and methaqualone for the broadest standard coverage. Call (816) 442-0295 and we will recommend the right panel.
Why Midwest Identity Services
Why Kansas City employers choose us for 9 panel testing
Certified collection, proper documentation and MRO review on every non-negative.
Certified chain-of-custody collection
Tamper-evident seals, temperature verification and proper documentation on every collection, so results withstand employer review, legal scrutiny and audit examination.
MRO review on non-negatives
Especially important on this panel, where valid prescriptions for benzodiazepines and methadone are common. The MRO contacts the donor before any final result is issued.
Fast, reliable turnaround
Negative results typically available within 24–48 hours of laboratory receipt, with clear expectations set for anything requiring confirmation.
All panel sizes available
5, 9 and 10 panel plus DOT-regulated testing, so you can match the panel to the role rather than the other way around.
Employer & court program support
Individual tests, employer random pools and court or probation monitoring programs, all handled with the same documentation standards.
Panel guidance before you book
Tell us the role and the reason for testing and we will recommend the right panel in under two minutes.
9 panel drug test FAQ
Frequently asked questions
More questions? Call (816) 442-0295 and we will answer in two minutes.
What does a 9 panel drug test screen for that a 5 panel doesn’t?
The 9 panel adds four substance categories beyond the standard 5-panel base: a dedicated methamphetamine screen, barbiturates (phenobarbital, secobarbital, butalbital), benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam, clonazepam, lorazepam) and methadone. These additions are significant because benzodiazepines and barbiturates are widely prescribed sedatives that can cause serious workplace impairment but are entirely invisible to a standard 5-panel screen. Methadone requires its own dedicated test and is not detected by the standard opiate screen.
I take a benzodiazepine by prescription, will I fail a 9 panel test?
A valid prescription does not prevent a non-negative screen result, but it does protect you during MRO review. When a non-negative result is confirmed by the laboratory, the MRO contacts you before issuing a final result to your employer. If you provide documentation of a valid, current prescription and the MRO determines it is a legitimate medical explanation, the result may be verified as negative. Always disclose all current prescription medications at intake.
Does the 9 panel test include alcohol?
No. The 9 panel urine drug test does not include alcohol. Alcohol requires a separate test, either a breath alcohol test (BAT) or a urine ethanol test. If you need both drug and alcohol screening, let us know when booking and we can arrange both in the same appointment. Urine alcohol testing is also available as a standalone test.
How long do benzodiazepines show up in urine?
Detection windows vary significantly based on which specific drug is involved. Short-acting benzodiazepines like alprazolam or lorazepam typically clear urine in 3–7 days for occasional use. Long-acting benzodiazepines like diazepam and clonazepam can remain detectable for 4–6 weeks or longer, especially with chronic use. Body weight, metabolism and frequency of use all affect detection time. Diazepam in particular has one of the longest urine detection windows of any prescription drug.
Should I order a 9 panel or 10 panel test for my employees?
For most employers, the 9 panel provides comprehensive coverage at a slightly lower cost than the 10 panel. The 10 panel adds propoxyphene (a pain reliever) and methaqualone, substances that are less commonly misused in most current workforce environments. If your workplace has specific concerns about those additional substances, or if a court or compliance program specifically requires a 10-panel, choose the 10 panel. Call (816) 442-0295 and we will help you decide.
How long does it take to get 9 panel drug test results?
Results are returned within 1 minute up to 5 days. Negative results are typically available within 24–48 hours of laboratory receipt. Non-negative results require GC/MS confirmatory testing and MRO review, which typically adds 1–3 business days depending on the MRO contact process. Because the 9 panel includes benzodiazepines and methadone, substances for which valid prescriptions are common: MRO review may take slightly longer when the donor needs to be contacted to verify a prescription.
How much does a 9 panel drug test cost?
Cost is $60–$99 based on services needed. For employer programs with volume requirements, call (816) 442-0295 for same-day program pricing. All costs are confirmed before your appointment begins, no surprises.
Book your 9 panel drug test today
Expanded prescription and sedative coverage in a single urine test, certified collection, MRO-reviewed results, chain-of-custody documentation.
8101 E. Bannister Rd, Kansas City, MO 64134 · $60–$99 based on services needed